THE MISHAP TO THE COLONIALS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9944, 20 January 1900, Page 2

THE MISHAP TO THE COLONIALS.

ATTRIBUTED TO TREACHERY. FOURTEEN SUSSING. GREAT GALLANTRY DISPLAYED. I •— — — — Rocoived January 20, 12.50 a.m. CAPETOWN, January 19. It is variously estimated that from 16 to 25 mon, commanded by Lioutenant W. V. Dowhng, of tho Ist Australian Horse, on Tuesday roconnoitrod towards Norval's Point, and while returning in tho afternoon encountered 60 to 100 Boors. The colonials raced for a neighbouring kopje, intending to hold it until rclioved. A volley from tho Boers, who were ambushed on a kopje, killed half of tho horees. Tho colonials encountered a Biwilar rocoption at a second kopje, but started again, maintaining a galla-nt running fight. A few ol Remington's scouts arrived towards tho closo 01 tho fight. Ono of thorn, named Bennett, charged with tho groateet determination, rescuing a woundod Lanoer. i'hroo well-mounted colonials reached tho camp, and reported two killed, and 14 capturod, ot whom it is feared aevon or oight aro bidly wounded, as the Boers wore seen carrying some and helping others who wero unable to walk. Lieutenant Dowhng was taken prisoner. Tho mishap is attributable to tho treuchory of a Dutoh farmer, who, it is behoved, wamod the Boers of the wheronbouts of tho patrol, enabling them to advance so as to compol the Lancers to retreat on an unbueliod kopio. LONDON, January 19. The Daily Mail's correspondent states that iv patrol waa aont on Wednesday to the Boono of tho Lancers' action and found tho dead body of Griffiths, of tho South Australian Horso, and alao Corporal Kilpatrick, of tho Lancers, who was badly wonndod. Soven dead Boers and a horso were »lso found on the spot. All tho Boor casualties wero removed. Reuter first states that two escaped, and returned to camp. Later on he states that six more, which included ono who, when his horso was shot, lay hidden until tho Boers retired, havo returned. Tho face of the body when recovered was shattered, presumably by an explosive bullet. Tho Times' correspondent at Rensburg cables that six returned. Fourteen are missing. The casualties are ono killed, and ono dangerously wounded. It is acknowledged that great gallantry was displayed by the colonials. No official information of the incident has been received. SYDNEY, January 19. Theio is some doubt as to whether the South Australian troops were engaged in tho patrol, as tho first Contingent was unmounted. It may possibly bo confused with tho Ist Australian Horse. No Griffiths is montioned in the South Australian foroo, while the New South Waleß Lancers havo a trooper of that name and tho Australian Horse a noncommissioned officer named Griffen.